Figure of the Day: Day 332: Bossk

BOSSK Executor Meeting
Saga Figures
Item No.: Asst. 84715 No. 84772
Number: 0418
Includes: Rifle, Base
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $4.99
Availability: Spring 2004
Appearances: Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Darth Vader hired six of the galaxy's most elite bounty hunters to track down the Millennium Falcon and her Rebel crew. Bossk was one of the hunters selected by Vader aboard the Executor after the Battle of Hoth. A towering reptilian Trandoshan and skilled predator, Bossk was a fearsome and heavily armed tracker. He was frequently bested by rival bounty hunter Boba Fett, and was betrayed by hunters he hired in the search for the Falcon. (Taken from the figure's cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Toy Shelves.

Commentary: In the modern line, it's not often that a figure was made before 1999 that most fans felt never needed an upgrade-- but Bossk was one of these "perfect" figures. During its first release in 1997, it was pretty much exactly what it needed to be-- not too bulky, not awkwardly posed, and most important of all, not missing any major markings. This release from 2004 almost looks identical to the 1997 version, at first, except that the gun is different, Hasbro hid a few extra joints in it (12 in all), and it's not a bad figure. It doesn't have any straps hanging down to block his ability to sit, it doesn't have goofy articulation in places he doesn't need it that make him look all funky, he's just a good solid figure. It's really hard to say if it's a good thing or a bad thing for Hasbro to look at a great figure, and then attempt to redo it-- and it really doesn't look any better. Sure, it has more articulation, but unless you put the two-side-by-side, aside from the weapons, they aren't exactly as screamingly different as, say, new vs. old Dengar or Boba Fett or even Darth Vader.

Collector's Notes: This particular Bossk was never rereleased-- the 1997 version has been repackaged in at least two gift sets, including the 2005 Bounty Hunter Gift Set for Diamond/Previews. As such, if you want this version of Bossk, you'll need to get a carded sample. (That is to say, until Hasbro realizes they still have the mold and drop him in some new Battle Pack.) The best way to tell the 1997 version against the 2004 version at a glance is the mouth or the articulation-- the new version has extra arm and leg joints and an open mouth, while the older one has a closed mouth.

If you only buy one Bossk, this one is arguably the better of them. There's also a Titanium Series release which you might be able to find for pennies on the dollar in the clearance section of your local Wal-Mart or Target still. It wasn't exactly a popular item. But wait, there's more-- despite already releasing two perfectly good Bossk figures, Hasbro's going back to the well for a third brand new sculpt in 2007 with the 30th Anniversary Collection Vintage Line. This one is probably super-duper articulated, I guess. So I guess the new 2007 figure will be even less necessary than the 2004 one, that, or it just speaks volumes on the market for Bossk collectibles.

Day 332: April 3, 2007